FNA- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza Sarmadi stressed the necessity for the further strengthening of all-out relations with Cyprus and removal of banking problems.

Sarmadi made the remarks in a meeting with Head of Cyprus Presidential Office Michalis Sophocleous in Tehran on Wednesday.

Removing banking problems between Iran and Cyprus can pave the way for enhancement of economic relations, he said.

Sophocleous, for his part, appreciated Iran’s stance on Cyprus talks, and underlined EU’s support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Stressing Cyprus’ resolve to promote economic and political relations with Iran, he said that visit of Cyprus’ delegation and officials to Iran reveals its willingness to that effect.

In relevant remarks in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Vaezi on Tuesday, Sophocleous had underlined his country's willingness to expand banking relations with Tehran.

"We are interested in fully activating banking ties with Iran as a ground to develop relations in other fields," he said during the meeting in Tehran.

"Cyprus is willing to expand relations with Iran in economic, trade, scientific, academic, tourism and cultural fields," the Cypriot official added.

Vaezi, for his part, described banking cooperation as a necessary ground to broaden economic relations, and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes development of ties and cooperation, specially between the two countries' economic activists and private sectors."